Euro 2024 and Its Rising Stars

This summer, Cristiano Ronaldo will play in a record-breaking sixth European Championship. In Portugal’s Euro 2004 quarter-final, he scored against England’s David James. James is now 53 years old, which shows how long he has been around. Two decades later, Ronaldo faced players in diapers or who had not even been born. They were not born when he helped Portugal reach the 2004 final.

As Ronaldo competes at Euro 2024, he was up against a new generation of talented players. These young players dream of Ronaldo’s success and longevity. Their capability could lead to an electrifying tournament in Germany. While waiting for the action to start, why not try your luck and play at Hellspin?

Here are four rising stars. They could impact Euro 2024. This is based on our UEFA-licensed coaches’ analysis. Make sure to keep in mind the following statement:

Regardless of their performance this summer. Their talent has already caught the eye of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Xavi Simons, Paris Saint-Germain and the Netherlands

Xavi Simons is a right-footed, versatile attacker with experience playing in wide areas and as a number 10. In the 2023/24 campaign, Simons was on loan at RB Leipzig (from Paris Saint-Germain). He played as a winger in a 4-4-2 and had the third-most dribbles in the Bundesliga.

He moves towards the opposition full-back to launch his attack, demonstrating remarkable agility as he evades pressure with nimble twists and turns. He carries the ball forward during counter-attacks, which is vital to Red Bull’s model.

From this narrowed position, the 21-year-old can also pass well in the final third. He can create many chances there. At Leipzig, he has two centre-forwards ahead of him. They increase the passing options between and around the opposition’s centre-backs.

António Silva Centre-back, Benfica and Portugal

António Silva is a right-footed defender. He usually plays as the right-sided centre-back in a back four. At age 20, he is solid at reading the game and intercepting passes. His initial patience and positioning allow him to protect key spaces. Then, he jumps out to steal the ball from the feet of his direct opponent. Silva has been ranked among Benfica’s top three in interceptions. He was in those ranks in the last two seasons. He was also sixth and seventh in duels.

Benjamin Šeško Forward, RB Leipzig and Slovenia

Benjamin Šeško is a right-footed centre-forward.He’s been connected with a potential transfer to Arsenal for the upcoming 2024 summer transfer window. Leipzig’s 4-4-2 formation benefits him, with Olmo and Simons providing narrow support. Their inward movements create space for him to exploit effectively. He is often partnered with Loïs Openda in Leipzig’s front line. Šeško has looked to threaten from behind. He has worked between the opposition’s centre-backs for as long as possible. There, his sharp movements have worked with central slider passes through or around. This is especially true when Openda has taken his opponent away. This allows Šeško to isolate his marker (below).

Johan Bakayoko Winger, PSV Eindhoven and Belgium

Johan Bakayoko is a right-footed left winger. He scored 12 goals and seven assists in PSV’s great 2023/24 Eredivisie campaign. He is a strong dribbler. He can weave in and out of pressure, dropping his shoulder to drive inside. The Belgian usually stays wide on the right, giving him space to cut inside with or without the ball. His skill in attacking from a slow or standing start is key to his 1v1 play. He recorded the second-most dribbles in the 2023/24 Eredivisie.

Once he has moved inside from the right, Bakayoko can score goals. He does this with direct shots inside his full-back opponent (below). He also ran inside to meet through balls or passes over the back line in an almost identical movement. At PSV, he has worked remarkably well off De Jong, who has led the line within PSV’s 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations.

Final Thoughts

Euro 2024 approaches. The excitement is palpable. It has a mix of legendary talents like Cristiano Ronaldo. It also has emerging stars poised to make their mark. These rising players are Xavi Simons, António Silva, Benjamin Šeško, and Johan Bakayoko. They bring the tournament fresh energy and enormous potential. Fans can look forward to an exciting football summer. They will see the lasting greatness of the past. They will also see a bright future.